Nancy K. Bane

Nancy Bane nee Hicks, age 82, of Wheaton, formerly of Alton. Passed in her home early Saturday, October 14th. Devoted wife of the late Gary Bane, loving mother of Greg (and Connie), Chris (and Dick) Aven, adoring grandmother of Spencer and Grace Bane, Zutphen and Deya Aven, beloved daughter of the late Lorell and Catherine Hicks, sister of Ronald Hicks, late Marc Hicks, and Gaye Caldieraro, aunt of Gary Richard LaHue, the late Roger Hicks, Dawn Guillen, David Hicks, Charles Knapp, Cathy Ferguson, Allison Anson, and the late Holly Droit. 

Nancy began her work life with her father at the butcher shop at a young age; it was at that time that she decided she would pursue a career in an office environment. She graduated from a Women's Secretarial College and was First Runner Up at the Miss St. Louis Beauty Pageant. While working as a secretary for the Meat Cutters Union in St. Louis, she rubbed elbows with Danny and Marlo Thomas, Jimmy Hoffa, and Danny Kaye. She worked in the office at Glenbriar Preschool with co-worker and furry friend, Morris The Cat, then on to a secretarial position at HPD/US Filter. She was a pioneer in her field, meeting resistance in the boardrooms as one of the first women to negotiate internationally at the time. After many years, she retired as the Vice President of Purchasing. 

She owned her position as Matriarch. She held her family as the most important and doted endlessly on her grandchildren and grandpets, never missing a sporting, music or school event, gladly baking for any occasion be it for a friend's party or filling someone's birthday cake needs. She loved to laugh and could easily make others laugh. She delighted in a good prank. She was always willing to show up even in the hard times with words of comfort and a coffee cake.  

She loved to travel, often traveling with friends and family, making new friends around the world. Her friends were close and constant, weaving friendship and family into a beautiful tapestry of love. 

She was a valued member of the Community Presbyterian Church of Lombard where she made lifelong friends and enjoyed volunteering in the nursery, on the boards and as a deacon. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to Wellness House of Hinsdale in memoriam which provided loving support to Nancy and her late husband throughout his battle with cancer.  If you prefer to mail the donation, Wellness House of Hinsdale, 131 N County Line Rd., Hinsdale, IL  60521.

The memorial service will be held on Friday, October 20th, wake and visitation begins at 11:30am, ceremony at 12:30pm at Leonard Memorial Funeral Home, 565 Duane Street, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137. After, a procession to Forest Hill Cemetery, Glen Ellyn for burial, corner of St. Charles and Riford Roads.

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